Myrtle M. Debonza

Rome- Myrtle M. (Sasenbury) DeBonza, 84, a former resident of South Madison St. passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2012, at the Rome Center, after a long illness. Myrtle was born in Ava, on October 1, 1927, a daughter of Arthur F. and Bertha Joslin Sasenbury. She grew up on the family homestead farm on the East Ava Road, and received her education at a rural school and at Boonville High School, later earning her G.E.D. On August 9, 1947, she married Joseph F. DeBonza; afterwards the couple made their home in Rome. Mrs. DeBonza was employed at New System Laundry, Rome, then as a home health aide and lastly as an aide at Rome Developmental Center for 20 years, retiring in 1982. After retirement, she received much joy from being a caregiver to her grandchildren. Mr. DeBonza, a veteran of WWII, bus and taxi driver, died on November 20, 1995. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joy her life. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, gardening, knitting, and going to garage sales. She especially enjoyed feeding the birds and watching all kinds of birds. Mrs. Debonza was loved by the staff and fellow residents at the Rome Center. Her family wishes to extend a sincere note of thanks and appreciation to the staff at Rome Center for the loving care they provided for Myrtle. She is survived by one son, Terry M. DeBonza, Rome; three daughters, Carol and husband Vito Sparace, Rome, Catherine Barber, Camden, Laurie Edy, Lee Center; fourteen grandchildren, several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sons, Gary F. DeBonza, on March 28, 1992, and Joseph G. DeBonza, December 7, 2002, by five brothers, Elmer L. Arthur L., Clarence W., Henry A. and Newton W. and by four sisters, Nellie Owens, Frances Dahn, Dorothy Satterly, and Marion Perry. Her Funeral will be Saturday at 4:00 P.M. at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, with interment in Ava Cemetery. Visitation hours are Saturday 2 p.m. until the time of the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to the resident activities fund at the Rome Center 801 North James St. Rome, NY 13440.